Third Stimulus Check

[RJB4754]

I have two adult dependents that I did not claim in 2020 so they could get the 3rd stimulus check - which they did.

Can I now claim them in 2021 without any problems

[VolvoGirl]

Yes if they qualify as your dependents.  But if they qualified as dependents in 2020 too you all filed wrong.  You really don't have the choice.  If they qualify as a dependent they have to file as dependent even if you don't claim them.

Then if you claim them this year you will also get the Recovery Rebate Credit for them even if they already got the 3rd Stimulus payment.   It is really based on 2021.  And they don't have to pay theirs back.   The IRS just used 2020 returns to send the checks out fast.

See Question 15 here

2021 Recovery Rebate Credit — Topic E: Calculating the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit | Internal Revenu...